Monthly NewsletterIf you didn't get a chance yet to read the district monthly newsletter, here is a link to view district updates/highlights. Focus on us - 'Tis the season'Tis the Season to . . . find the time to shop, make it to a slew of events, deal with unpredictable weather and family descending, and all while we try to stay clear or germs and healthy. It can be a wonderful time of the year, but it can also be very stressful. So, if you are feeling the stress, take a little time to read this article from Psychology Today on de-stressing during this season. Give yourself the gift of mindfulness and breath, and the grace to slow down a bit, especially when life is a' flurry. 'Tis the season to be good to yourself! Reason to celebrateCongratulations to our very own Bonnie Nieves, Nipmuc Science Teacher, and one of the recipients of the 2023 County Science Educator of the Year! This award is awarded by the Massachusetts Society of Science Teachers and goes to a select group peer-nominated educators who have benefitted the field of Science Education in Massachusetts. Of course we know Bonnie as a leader in science education, who recently became an Apple Certified Coach, and who helps lead the PD Committee in this district. But, it is so fabulous to see her honored for her leadership role in promoting and advancing the cause of quality science education among her peers. Congratulations, Bonnie!! We are so lucky to have you as a teacher and leader in this district! Join the MURSd Team-Harlem Wizards GameSave the date of January 27th--the Harlem Wizards are coming to town and will be playing against the MURSD Dream Team. MUEF is looking for players from all of the schools to participate in this fundraiser, which brings funds directly back to all of you through classroom grants. E-mail Maureen Cohen if you are interested in playing or would like more information. TransitionsWe will be hosting an open house for Lauren Sannicandro's retirement on Thursday, December 21st. We hope you will join us in thanking Lauren for her close to 30 years of dedication to our district. I also would like to congratulate Kim Lowther, who will be transitioning into the role of Executive Assistant to the Superintendent as we start the new year. Her depth and breadth of experience and impeccable work ethic will help to carry the torch on from Lauren. December 4, 2023 Professional Development DayToday is Professional Development Day for MURSD! It is a Level-based 1/2 day with programming developed by PD Committee representatives at each school. Please check out the MURS PD Website for today to see the offerings and make your selections if you have not already done so. Don't forget to sign in once students are dismissed. Please let us know if you have any questions of trouble with Vector Solutions. Kim Lowther can be reached at [email protected] MUrSD Staff BookmarkI made a MURSD Staff Bookmark that I pushed out to all of you and is located on the Bookmark bar. If you open a new tab (command t) you will notice on the far left the Bookmark called MURSD Staff. Click it and your first selection is Vector (Teachpoint). (See the images below) This is meant to give you a place to quickly get where you need to.--Colleen Co-Teaching 201 for co-teaching teams and moreWe will be welcoming Mara Powers and Michele Mercurio back to MURSD for professional learning to support co-teaching teams and also to help us think about how to bring these strategies to more classrooms including classrooms that do not benefit from having 2 teachers in the classroom. Co-teaching teams from the secondary level will meet in the morning from 8:00-10:30, and then elementary co-teaching teams will meet in the afternoon from 12:30-3:00. From 10:30-12:00, we'll host a conversation for teachers who are interested in helping us build inclusive practices from this powerful teaching model. Reach out to Cheryl if you are interested in attending. District Book Study - Special Delivery This weekWe are launching our district book study of Unlocking English Learner's Potential: Strategies for Making Content Accessible, which sheds light on how we can better address the needs of students who are learning English in our classrooms. The population of English Learners in Mendon-Upton and across the state is growing exponentially, making the choice of this topic an important one that I've heard resonate across the district. We'll organize for self-paced reading and reflection that will be punctuated by three discussions about the book, and an optional break-out session on our March PD day. Reading the book, participating in the discussions, and completing the reflection questions and an application of your learning will earn book study participants 10 PDPs that can be applied to licensure renewal. If you are interested in participating in this book study it is not too late to sign up by joining the Google Classroom. We will be delivering books this week to those who have already signed up. MURSD welcomes andre daughty of PBL worksThis week MURSD is hosting teachers from across the Blackstone Valley to participate in Project-Based Learning (PBL) 101, facilitated by Andre Daughty (Welcome, Andre!) This training is sponsored by the Blackstone Valley Curriculum Consortium. PBL is a model of teaching that coaches teachers to weave their delivery of learning objectives and standards into real-world, engaging scenarios whereby students interact with authentic audiences to solve problems and create solutions. Over half of the staff of Miscoe Hill have been trained in PBL and are committed to delivering at least one PBL unit this year. So, if you are interested in learning more about PBL, either stop by the PDC this week from 8-3, or reach out to me and I'll connect you with a colleague from Miscoe. You can read more about PBL and subscribe to their twitter here. --Cheryl Laughter is the best medicineFor Inspiration
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